Traditionally, people trained in Martial Arts in order to utilized their skills as \ra form of attack and defense in both armed and unarmed combat. Today, \rpeople train in Martial Arts in order to keep fit, as a form of meditation, to \rlearn self-discipline and as a competitive sport. \r\rAlthough Western culture associates Martial Arts with Asian countries, \rmany countries developed their own Martial Arts as a form of military \rdefense, prior to modern technology. There are many different styles of \rMarital Arts, such as Ju Jitsu, Tai Chi and Karate. \r\rAll styles of Martial Arts follow a system of teaching. During teaching, a \rstudent is taught a series of forms. These forms, once learnt, help the \rstudent to develop a technique that they can then utilize when needed. \rThere are also different levels of training that a student can progress \rthrough, once they have mastered the first level.\r\rAll students must study under a Master of the particular Martial Art that \rthey wish to learn with the hope of one day becoming also a Master. This \ris the traditional way in which the skills all Martial Arts has been handed \rdown over the generations.

Children as young as four or five can be started on the road to their or their parents chosen Martial Art and when trained by a sympathetic teacher or coach it can be made fun.

The competitive side of Martial Arts can be preceded by an intensive bout of training and so any children considering taking up competitive Martial Arts should be aware of this. The benefits are great when you win your first competition and get your first medal!

Many Martial Arts have a belt grading system and the gaining of a new belt can give you the inspiration to keep going and to better yourself even further. It is also something tangible that proves progress which can be very important to a child.

When considering taking up a Martial Art investigate them and make an informed decision as all are contact sports although some require more contact than others.

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